Matthew’s Gospel includes many confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees, the religious leaders of ancient Judaism. His warnings were not just for them–they are in the Bible for us to read and apply.
Matthew 12:34-35 is a prime example. Jesus explained a universal principle regarding the relationship between our words and our hearts.
You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
Matthew 12:34-35
Jesus compared our hearts to a “treasure,” which could be translated “treasury.” The concept is that of an invisible storehouse where one’s ambitions, plans, desires and all such personal notions are all kept. These are either good or evil, and they exist in an abundance that eventually spills out (or overflows) through our words.
A heart transformed by Jesus will bring out good treasures: words of wisdom, testimonies of God’s grace, insights from the scriptures, encouragement, etc. Even a word of rebuke from a godly person is a source of life (Proverbs 27:6).
The opposite is also true: words tend to reveal any evil that is festering in one’s heart.
There’s an all-too tragic irony in this: we can be oblivious to the messages we are constantly speaking to those around us. We can be deaf to the megaphone that is loudly broadcasting our hearts’ contents to the world.
Here are a few examples:
Have you ever been around someone who is perpetually angry and/or bitter? His words are probably as toxic as a viper’s venom. They are symptoms of a heart issue–usually an unforgiving spirit. He might object to this diagnosis, but his words will consistently prove it to be accurate.
What about an individual who is constantly criticizing everyone? There’s a good chance that there’s a lack of grace in her heart. If only she realized how much grace God has shown her!
One more example: do you complain non-stop? This probably means you lack gratitude, because gratitude and complaining cannot peacefully coexist.
I would like to issue a challenge to you in light of this scripture: listen to yourself this week and respond accordingly. Your words may reveal heart issues that require confession and repentance.
How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.May the words of my mouth
Psalm 19:12-14
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
